Peter Hyballa’s Deep Runs – Creating Space and Momentum in Modern Soccer

In his new book “Deep Runs”, professional soccer coach Peter Hyballa explores one of the most underestimated yet game-changing elements of modern soccer — intelligent movement without the ball. Hyballa breaks down how deep runs create space, unsettle defenses, and open up new attacking possibilities across all areas of the field.

Rather than relying on vague sideline advice like “move more!”, Hyballa provides a clear, practical approach to timing, positioning, and communication between runners and passers. He emphasizes that these movements aren’t just about speed, but about creating dynamics, pressure, and tactical advantages — whether in attack, transition, or defensive recovery.

From recognizing the right signals to practicing coordination and timing, “Deep Runs” gives coaches and players a practical framework for turning off-ball runs into real, game-changing actions.

Below, we present two exclusive soccer drills from the book that focus on developing and coaching deep runs effectively in your own training sessions.

4 vs 2 plus 3 on two fields at the same time

Organziation & Procedure
The focus is now on the interface pass in depth from the respective game. Mark out a rectangle measuring 30 x 20m with two playing areas and a middle section. Position the appropriate number of players on the playing halves and the defensive zone in the middle.

• Both groups play 4 vs 2 in their playing zone at the same time with a maximum of three contacts.
• After at least five successful passes to each other, a flat pass can/may/should be made to the other side, which the players in the middle zone in particular try to prevent through their positioning.
• After a successful interface pass, the game form is stopped briefly.
• The passing group receives a new ball from the coach; the target group plays their previous ball to the coach.

Rating

• Ten consecutive passes result in one point, overplaying the middle zone results in five points.
• If Red wins the ball, five Reds are played vs four Blues in the corresponding half plus the middle zone. If the Reds are able to pass the ball x-times – extra point.

Coaching

• Passing group: Passes in depth from as open a position as possible, with pressure and in optimal coordination with the target player – eye contact, mutual coaching.
• DEFENSE: Keep passing lanes small or even close them down through good depth and width staggering in the middle zone.

Positional play 4 vs 1 plus 3

Organziation & Procedure
Mark out a 30x20m pitch and a 5m-zone around the center line with cones. Set up two mini goals on a baseline.

• The game starts with one of the defenders running out of the center zone to put full pressure on the team in ball possession.
• The four attacking players play out the 4 vs 1 as far as possible so that they can pass to a teammate deep into the other half. The three defenders in the middle try to prevent this.
• If an attacking player receives the ball in the other half, he or she may finish on one of the mini goals.
• An opponent from the middle zone may pursue the pass and try to prevent this.
• After five attacking attempts, three ball losses or a previously agreed time, the right to attack changes.

Variations

• The number of contacts is limited.
• Play it with three teams. In the defensive half, another team of 4 must be outplayed before a goal can be scored.
• Two mini goals per half. The direction of play and the starting squad change after each attempt.
• Instead of two mini goals, the game is now played on a large goal with a goalkeeper.
• At this point, think again about the importance of rebounds for attackers and defenders.